Victor Mueller has something about planes. The mercurial Scandinavian businessman was personally responsible for the rebirth of the Spyker, an obscure Dutch maker of automobiles and airplanes. His aeronautical-influenced supercars helped propel him into the mainstream of automotive manufacturing, where he was able to acquire Saab, another Nordic concern with roots in aviation.

Just last week, Mueller sold his interest in Spyker to concentrate solely on Saab. And at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show, the automaker revealed the Saab PhoeniX Concept, a proposed replacement for the current 9-3 that plays up more heavily the aeronautic heritage of Saab.

While many expected to see a tidy modern interpretation of the original Saab 92, whose shape was influenced by the profile of a wing, the Saab PhoeniX concept is a grand touring sports coupe with a decidedly more upscale look and purpose.

The aviation influence on the car borders on overkill. There are twin-engine Saab aircraft logos on the hubs of the turbine-blade wheels, similar logo treatments on the steering wheel and a sleek profile that has more in common with a jet fighter than a supercar.

Among the features of the design is a canopy-inspired greenhouse that tapers into a fastback. The sides feature stepped wings in the rocker panels that further reinforce the aviation inspired theme of the car. Meanwhile, the roof sweeps back into C-pillars that feature flying buttresses that help channel air around the rear of the vehicle and contribute to its extremely low 0.25 drag coefficient.

Flying Form Based on Traditional Underpinnings

The new look is the handiwork of chief designer Jason Castroita, who recently left Ferrari for Saab. Other notable features of the car are the clear window in the hood that displays the Saab engine cover, and the generous use of Saab aviation logos on the steering wheel, seats and floormats.

Power comes primarily from a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that drives the wheels through a hybrid-electric system. Saab says the powertrain setup is good for 200 hp delivered through the front wheels. A 34-hp electric motor powered by an auxiliary battery pack drives the rear wheels, giving the PhoeniX all-wheel-drive capability.

In addition, the driver can select among various driving modes from the eXXD system. Eco, the default mode, provides short shifts through the automatic transmission to deliver optimum fuel economy. Sport mode includes maximum power assistance with torque vectoring across the rear axle for greater chassis control, Traction promotes optimal grip at take-off and in slippery conditions, such as in winter.